Mumbai: Hathway Digital Cable TV has switched off the signals of all Times Network Channels effective from today morning owing to a disagreement between the parties on performing an existing agreement.
Due to this reach of Times Network Channels across Key Markets like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore where affected. The estimated loss of reach across India or the number of affected homes will be around 10 million households. It is also understood that Republic TV has been placed in the LCN’s of Times NOW in Mumbai and Bangalore markets.
According to the sources from Hathway Digital Cable TV, it is understood that Times Network has refused to honor an existing distribution agreement between them that is valid till end of March 2018, citing drop in advertisement revenues due to negative market sentiments in post implementation of Demonetization and GST.
Hathway in return has refused to buy the above reasons and insisted Times Network to stand by the terms of the agreement. The rebuttal from Times Network and non-payment of carriage fee dues prompted Hathway to put Times Network under notice.
Hathway Digital Cable TV was running scroll communicating the termination of Times Network channels w.e.f 10th January for the past one-month. In return Times Network updated its viewers on the developments and asked its viewers to take necessary remedy. Hathway in its communication to its subscribers stated “the service of the Times Network channels might be affected due to huge outstanding by the broadcasters”.
The list of Times Network channels pulled out by Hathway include News Channels Times NOW, Times NOW HD, ET NOW and Mirror NOW and the English Entertainment Channels Movies Now HD, MN+, MNX, MNX HD, Romedy NOW, Romedy NOW HD and Zoom.
